About Salvia viridis L.
Salvia viridis L. is an annual plant that grows quickly, reaching 1 to 2 feet (0.30 to 0.61 m) in height and 1 foot (0.30 m) in width. Its flowering period lasts over a month. Colorful bracts nearly conceal the plant's tiny two-lipped flowers; the flowers are cream-colored, with upper lips tinged with purple or rose that matches the color of the bracts. Seeds and leaves of Salvia viridis have been added to fermenting vats to greatly increase the inebriating quality of the resulting liquor. An infusion made from its leaves was used to treat sore gums, and its powdered leaves were used to make snuff. The species is also reported to be a good honey-producing plant. Salvia viridis is cultivated as an ornamental plant for garden planting. Its blooms hold up well for use as either cut flowers or dried flowers. This plant prefers friable, well-drained soil, moderate water, and three-quarters to a full day of direct sunlight. In the United Kingdom, its seeds can be sown in late March in a greenhouse, or sown directly into garden borders after the last frost passes.
